For the lesbians and thespians, the Sharpays and Ryans alike, ‘Twinkle Town: The forgotten High School Musical musical’ takes you on a campy, meta-theatrical journey of early 00’s nostalgia, featuring references galore to THE hit Disney Channel original movie. Do you ever wonder what Troy and Gabriella were actually auditioning for in High School Musical? Well, so did I.
But wonder no more! East High brings Twinkle Town to the stage for its 20-year winter musicale anniversary. It follows Mario and Antionette, played by Minnie and Arnold, played by Dean Robinson and Isabell Patane, respectively, in a very much non retelling of Westside Story, of a retelling of Romeo and Juliet.
Playing all of the characters, Isabella Patane and Dean Robinson excel in their caricature execution of understudy stars Minnie and Arnold, Jill, Joe and even some of the well known and loved characters from High School Musical itself. With quick and minimal costume changes, and wigs to rival Zac Efron, much of the character development comes from the excellent physicality and expansive mannerisms, which were a highlight and a thoroughly enjoyable watch.
Patane‘s facial expressions in particular, were a standout and received a lot of praise from the Melbourne crowd. The juxtaposition of Joe and Minnie, and the entertaining Nurse, were truly a delight. Robinson’s charismatic line delivery and quick quips stole scenes and had the Melbourne audience in the palm of his hand; the spoken work, ‘Get’cha Head In The Game’ had myself, and many others in the room trying to muffle our laughter. That was only one of many instances where the songs from High School Musical were utilised in a unique and witty way that made sense for the context of the show (bar different to it’s original) but was also just straight up HILARIOUS. I can say that their rendition of ‘Breaking Free’ may have been one of the best I have ever seen.
The stage is small, but the energy is large. A velvet curtained corner and a dazzling ladder is all that is necessary when you have the spectacle that is Patane and Robinson commanding the stage. Although, the use of the overhead audio could have been projected slightly louder for some scenes.
I appreciated the clever ways the small velvet curtain was used in creative ways to incorporate the necessary costume changes directly into the scenes, some reminiscent of a Hannah Montana episode. With many songs and references delivered smoothly that sometimes went by almost unnoticed by the audience, the writing and structure of the play, a testament to the skills of Robinson and Patane.
‘Twinkle Town: The forgotten High School Musical musical’, is brief but layered and packed with ‘What I’ve Been Looking For’ this comedy festival. I have left entertained, impressed and with the knowledge that this may be the ‘Start Of Something New’ (and big) for Patane and Robinson’s future. Bop this show to the top of your must-see list!
Isabella Patane and Dean Robinson‘s Twinkle Town: The forgotten High School Musical musical is now playing at The Motley Spielhaus as part of the 2026 Melbourne International Comedy Festival until April 19.
For more information and ticketing, visit:
https://www.comedyfestival.com.au/browse-shows/twinkle-town-the-forgotten-high-school-musical-musical-2
https://www.instagram.com/Twinkletownthemusical
Photography supplied.